Lions Ranked 18th by USA College Football

ROSELAND, N.J.- The Mars Hill football team is ranked 18th in the USA College Football NCAA Division II Preseason Poll, which was released Monday. Defensive lineman Troy Harris was named to the organization's preseason All-American second team.

Mars Hill is coming off the best season in program history, in which they won eight games and earned their first-ever bid to the NCAA Division II Football Championship. Mars Hill opens the season on Aug. 30 at Western Carolina. Conference play begins on Sept. 15 when the Lions host Brevard in Mars Hill's home opener.

The Lions will face one opponent ranked in the poll, with Mars Hill traveling to eighth-ranked North Greenville for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Sept. 22.

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Harris is coming off a campaign in which the rising junior recorded nine sacks. This is the second preseason All-American selection for Harris, who was also recognized by Beyond Sports Network (BSN).

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The USA College Football, Inc. Preseason Poll and All-American Teams are selected by coaches, sports information directors, certified players' agents, pro scouts, national media reporters and the staff of USA Football News.